It is truly with a heavy heart that I bring you this tragic news: the world has lost IZ the WIZ, aka Mike Martin. Iz passed away yesterday morning at his brother’s home in Florida.

He was the longest running All-City King of NYC subway graffiti, by many accounts a gentle and caring soul, and one of my graffiti heroes. Iz was also the feature of several books and movies, including Subway Art, portraying a detective in the film Wild Style, and he is prominently featured in the landmark documentary Style Wars.

Rest in Peace Mike Martin aka IZ the WIZ, IKE 327, CI…The Master Blaster Forever.